POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The many mayoral races of Massachusetts

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY , SOPHIE GARDNER AND KELLY GARRITY LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF MAYORALTY — In a state regularly ragged on for its lack of electoral competition, this year’s mayoral contests are shaping up to be an exception. Five of the 35 mayors up for reelection this year are stepping down or have already left, opening up corner offices for the first time in years — if not decades — from Pittsfield to Marlborough to Haverhill. And more could follow as mayors from Methuen to New Bedford mull their options. The competition isn't limited to open seats. At least eight mayors have already drawn challengers, putting incumbents on defense from Brockton to Springfield. Covid-19 fatigue contributed to nearly a fifth of the state’s mayors leaving office in 2021. This year's departures are different. Jim Fiorentini , the mayor of Haverhill since 2004, told supporters that at 76, he wants to “leave with enough health left to enjoy some life.” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur , who’s been in public office since 2002, plans to fill his soon-to-be free time with family and friends. After 12 years as mayor and 18 on the City Council, Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant said he wants to see more of his five grandkids. And Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer wants to travel and spend more time with her aging parents. “There's always a moment in time when new leadership could be really beneficial to the community, and I feel like that's where we are right now,” Tyer told Playbook. Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo had already decided not to seek a third term when he stepped down last month to run the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Four city councilors are now vying to succeed him, a contest that could end with former Mayor Dan Rizzo returning to the job Arrigo knocked him out of eight years ago. Another particularly fraught race is shaping up in Springfield, where two city councilors and a state representative are among those lining up to take on the city’s longest-serving mayor: Domenic Sarno . Sarno is no stranger to drawing and dispatching opponents — he toppled an incumbent to win the seat in the first place. And his challengers, long critical of his handling of police oversight in the city, have reasons to want him gone. But it’s still unusual for an incumbent — particularly one as politically formidable as Sarno — to have not one but three prominent challengers. In this case, state Rep. Orlando Ramos and City Councilors Justin Hurst and Jesse Lederman , who are all ostensibly coming at the more centrist Democrat from the left. Sarno plans to launch his reelection campaign on May 17, according to an event invitation reviewed by Playbook. He dropped $19,000 last month on yard signs and bumper stickers in preparation, per his latest campaign finance filing. Challengers have also put incumbents on notice in cities including Braintree, Greenfield , Malden, Medford, Woburn and Waltham . And in Brockton, Mayor Robert Sullivan is running against youth mentor John C. Williams and former GOP congressional candidate Hamilton Rodrigues . "It would probably be easy for me to say 'nope, I'm gonna call it a day.’ You know, I came in, and then six weeks later we were dealing with a pandemic,” Sullivan told Playbook. “I have a lot of friends that I've met, mayors, they've served and then they've decided to go in a different direction.” But Sullivan isn’t ready to call it quits. “To be able to make a difference in people’s lives is why I run,” he said. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Here are two things to watch as mayor’s races continue taking shape: — The mayors who haven’t said anything yet. Quincy’s Thomas Koch and Taunton’s Shaunna O’Connell , for instance, both plan on running again but haven’t made it official, per two people familiar with their plans. But Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund hasn't decided yet, his chief of staff said. And New Bedford’s Jon Mitchell , who’s been floated for higher office before, has been playing curiously coy . — The Healey-Driscoll factor. When the state’s governing team includes a former mayor, it’s a safe bet that the two top executives will play in some municipal races. They’re already starting to — backing Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn for reelection and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’ s former chief of staff, Dominick Pangallo , in the upcoming special election for Salem mayor. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Driscoll participate in the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at 2:30 p.m. at the State House. Driscoll administers the oath of office to Framingham State University’s new president at 10 a.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a Roxbury coffee hour at 9:30 a.m. AG Andrea Campbell is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 1 p.m. and speaks at the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association’s gala at 6:30 p.m. in Boston. THIS WEEKEND — Driscoll, Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Auditor Diana DiZoglio attend the 3T & 2C annual Democratic Breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nicholson Hall in Newburyport. Former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh receives an honorary degree from Dean College at 11 a.m. Saturday. SUNDAY SHOWS — MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Healey is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Running for mayor? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com , sgardner@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   DON’T MISS THE POLITICO ENERGY SUMMIT: A new world energy order is emerging and America’s place in it is at a critical juncture. Join POLITICO on Thursday, May 18 for our first-ever energy summit to explore how the U.S. is positioning itself in a complicated energy future. We’ll explore progress on infrastructure and climate funding dedicated to building a renewable energy economy, Biden’s environmental justice proposals, and so much more. REGISTER HERE .     DATELINE BEACON HILL — MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Senate will roll out its budget proposal on Tuesday, per the State House News Service . The timeline for a tax-relief package, however, remains unclear. Speaking of that … — LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN: The coalition that worked to pass the so-called millionaires tax is continuing to pressure senators to keep cuts to the short-term capital gains tax rate and other controversial measures out of their tax-relief plan. Raise Up Massachusetts sent a letter to the entire Senate yesterday doubling down on its argument that April’s revenue shortfall, combined with the feds hiking interest rates and the threat of defaulting on the national debt, present “significant” fiscal risk for the state. The group is urging senators to reject not only lowering the short-term capital gains tax rate, but also the plans on the table to raise the estate-tax threshold and tinker with the single sales factor apportionment. — “Healey brings more women into governor’s office,” by Colman M. Herman, CommonWealth Magazine: “According to the state’s diversity dashboard, [Gov. Maura] Healey has 52 people working in her office at the State House – 36, or 69 percent, are women, and 16, or nearly 31 percent, are men.” — “Minority-owned firms see big jump in Massachusetts state contracts,” by Paul Singer, GBH News: “Minority-owned businesses won contracts worth $217 million from Massachusetts state agencies last year, a jump of more than $50 million from the year before, according to new data from the state’s Supplier Diversity Office.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Massachusetts COVID cases drop 14%, Boston shutting down some vaccination and testing sites,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “On Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 897 virus cases over the last week. The daily average of 128 COVID cases from the last week was a 14% decrease from the daily rate of 148 virus infections during the previous week.” — “Most major health care and hospital systems in Mass. will lift mask requirements next week,” by Kay Lazar and Jessica Bartlett, Boston Globe. FROM THE HUB — “Mayor Wu announces $16.5 million in federal funds to help homeless people,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Mayor Michelle Wu announced the city is receiving a $16.5 million grant from the federal government for housing and supportive services for homeless people. … As part of the breakdown of funds, Wu’s office said Eliot Community Services will receive $6.2 million over three years to house 105 homeless people from Mass. and Cass or ‘other high-risk settings.’” — “Advocates request halt to low-income housing,” by Leah Samuel, Bay State Banner. — “Michelle Wu indicates support for rat czar hire in Boston,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald. — “Amid writers’ strike, Boston University is facing heat for picking Warner Bros. CEO as commencement speaker,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “Family of woman killed by Commuter Rail sues MBTA for crash records,” by Dan Atkinson, Dig Boston: “Last January, a 68-year-old woman driving through Wilmington died when a Commuter Rail train slammed into her car as she was going over the railroad tracks. The crossing arm failed to come down, which MBTA officials quickly blamed on 'human error.' A worker for Commuter Rail managers Keolis was placed on leave. But for more than a year, the T has not released further information about the crash and its subsequent investigation.” — “Man files lawsuit stemming from MBTA escalator accident at Back Bay Station in 2021,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe.   GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGSITER HERE .     DAY IN COURT — “Elizabeth Warren Likely to Beat RFK Jr. Suit Over Anti-Vax Book,” by Peter Hayes, Bloomberg Law: “Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) won’t be required to immediately retract, apologize for, or remove a letter from her website requesting that Amazon not direct consumers to an anti-vaccine book by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. because Kennedy’s underlying suit isn’t likely to succeed on the merits, a federal appeals court said Thursday." — “National investigation shows Massachusetts lags in compensation for wrongfully convicted,” by Mike Beaudet, WCVB: “Massachusetts’ wrongful convictions statute has a cap of $1 million on damages. … ‘I'm absolutely for lifting that cap,’ [AG Andrea] Campbell said. But any reforms would have to be signed into law by Gov. [Maura] Healey, who, despite serving as attorney general for eight years and whose office handled these cases, would not weigh in on whether the law should be changed.” — “Fall River City Councilor admits in court to harassing wife of an ex-lover last year,” by Jo C. Goode, Herald News. IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “With new report, AG Campbell calls for more public participation in key energy decisions,” by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: “Decisions about where to site energy infrastructure have long left out those who end up suffering the worst consequences of those decisions — the environmental justice communities that are often home to facilities that can pollute the air and water, according to a new report issued early Tuesday by Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office.” — “Markey introduces bipartisan bill to improve climate-related mental health services,” by Zack Budryk, The Hill: “The legislation, the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act, would establish a $36 million pilot program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mental health care specifically for communities on the frontlines of climate change.” WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING — “Mass resignations leave just one member on Uxbridge School Committee,” by Jeff A. Chamer, Telegram & Gazette: “In a letter to families on Thursday, Superintendent Michael Baldassare said the district will investigate the events that led to the recent resignations of six out of the seven members of the Uxbridge School Committee this week. The letter said the district would commission a third-party review and make its findings public.” — “State gets "C-" for lead in school drinking water,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle-Tribune: “That's up from the ‘D’ grade the state received in a 2019 report, but advocates say it's not enough.” — "'Uniting for Ukraine' federal program helps refugees start new life in Massachusetts," by Brandon Truitt, WBZ. — “At sit-in, Simon's Rock students allege that the early college has a pattern of mishandling or covering up sexual assault complaints,” by Heather Bellow, Berkshire Eagle. — “Exploitation, Abuse, and Death: The Dark Side of Working in the Weed Industry,” by Dusty Christensen, The Nation. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Alexi Nowokunski has joined Benchmark Strategies as a public affairs associate. She previously was senior information manager for former Gov. Charlie Baker. — Amy Metet and Kate Bueker have joined Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ board of directors. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Endpoints’ Nicole DeFeudis, Nicole Serrano, Brian Fry and Jedd Ari Fisch. Happy belated to GWU’s Todd Belt. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Paul Clark, Daniel Jick, David Rogers, Lori Lefkowitz, Meg McIntyre and Amanda Drane , who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Emma Riley, Nancy White, Chris Lindahl, M.J. Tidwell, Nicholas Harrer and Brian Dunn. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: ONE-HORSE STATE — Hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky dig into why so many elections are uncontested in Massachusetts, what BPS parents are worrying about and the bills on Beacon Hill that would boost supports for immigrants. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud . Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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Biden celebrations | Second surge arrives | JOB BOARD MONDAY: Today's sponsor - IBEW Local 103 and NECA Greater Boston – The Power Professionals

 

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By Jay Fitzgerald and Keith Regan 11/09/2020 Biden celebrations | Second surge arrives | JOB BOARD MONDAY

 

Job Board Monday

Reach MASSterList's 22,000 Beacon Hill connected and policy-minded subscribers with your job postings. Have friends interested in one of these positions? Forward the newsletter to them! Contact David Art at dart@massterlist.com or call 617-992-8253 for more information.

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Communications Manager - new!, Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA)

Legislative Analyst - new!, Massachusetts Municipal Association

Hellman Science and Technology Policy Fellowship, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

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Account Executive, Melwood Global

Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

Communications Coordinator, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH) and Center for Public Representation (CPR)

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Happening Today   MBTA service cuts, virtual rallies, and more   -- Mass. Lottery opens its new Western Mass. claims center in West Springfield today. -- The Gaming Commission meets to select topics for future business meeting agendas, then goes into executive session to review a lawsuit filed by the city of Revere and Mohegan Sun claiming the commission erred by issuing a license to Encore Boston Harbor, 9 a.m. -- The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board is expected to review possible service cuts as a result of pandemic-era ridership declines; the meeting comes after a planned early morning press conference and rally by opponents of service cuts, with meeting starting at 11 a.m. -- Massachusetts Cannabis Association for Delivery and Equitable Opportunities Now host a virtual rally calling for equity in the forthcoming non-medical marijuana delivery industry, 12 p.m. -- Supporters of legislation that would open the door to doctors prescribing lethal doses for terminally ill patients hold a Zoom rally to urge the Legislature to advance the issue before the session ends in early January, 4 p.m. For the most comprehensive listing of calendar items, check out State House News Service’s Daily Advances (pay wall – free trial subscriptions available), as well as MassterList’s Beacon Hill Town Square below.

Today's News   Reminder to readers: SHNS Coronavirus Tracker available for free   A reminder to our readers as the coronavirus crisis unfolds: The paywalled State House News Service, which produces MASSterList, is making its full Coronavirus Tracker available to the community for free on a daily basis each morning via ML. SHNS Coronavirus Tracker.     The coronavirus numbers: 20 new deaths, 9,923 total deaths, 1,809 new cases   CBS Boston has the latest coronavirus numbers for Massachusetts.     Celebrations break out across the state after Biden-Harris declared winners   National media outlets over the weekend declared Democrat Joe Biden the winner of the presidential election – and spontaneous celebrations broke out across blue-state Massachusetts as news of Biden and running-mate Kamala Harris’s triumph spread. From GBH’s Esteban Bustillos: “Boston Takes To The Streets As Biden Is Declared Winner Of The Presidential Election.” ... From MassLive: “Hundreds line Northampton’s Main Street to celebrate Biden/Harris win.” ... From WGBH’s Tori Bedford: “Tears Of Joy And Mourning As Boston’s Black Activists Look To The Future.” ... From the Cape Cod Times: “Biden supporters on Cape Cod celebrate the end to a very long four years.” ... From the Martha’s Vineyard Times: “Bold Vineyarders celebrate election with a plunge.”  And, finally, from the Globe: “Jennifer Lawrence celebrates Biden’s win by running through the streets of Boston.” Here’s the reactions of local pols via the Boston Herald and CBS Boston and South Coast Today.         Romney and Bush among few national Republicans to congratulate Biden   Former Massachusetts Gov. and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney was the first national Republican over the weekend to congratulate Joe Biden on his declared presidential victory over Donald Trump, as MassLive reports. Former President George W. Bush also called Biden to congratulate him, the NYT reports. But they’re among only a few national Republicans to openly acknowledge Biden’s victory. The rest? Who knows.  Fyi: Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican and no friend of Trump, also congratulated Biden and Kamala Harris, reports the Herald’s Lisa Kashinsky.       'Just a flesh wound’: Mass. GOP leaders say pro-Trump strategy actually worked   The Globe’s Brian MacQuarrie reports that many people might logically conclude that Donald Trump’s 2-1 drubbing by Joe Biden in Massachusetts suggests local Republicans should rethink their pro-Trump strategy here. But such people are not pro-Trump state party leaders. Some of them think the pro-Trump strategy actually worked to limit GOP losses last week in Massachusetts. And so ... cue the Monty Python just-a-flesh-wound skit. Needless to say, Jason Sokol’s reform-or-else advice to local Republicans may be falling on deaf ears (Globe). Boston Globe     So who’s leaving? Who's staying?   It’s Massachusetts. And so it’s just assumed some prominent pols and academics and others will be heading to Washington, D.C. come January, after Democrat Joe Biden’s declared presidential victory over the weekend. Mayor Marty Walsh yesterday was downplaying speculation he might be in line for a Cabinet post, as CBS Boston reports. Meanwhile, the NYT reports progressives are “preparing to unleash a furious campaign” to get their favorite pols and policies at the top of Biden’s priority lists, including the appointment of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren as treasury secretary.  Can we throw out a local name, considering everyone else is throwing out local names? Deval Patrick. Why not?       Sponsored IBEW Local 103 and NECA Electrical Contractors are committed to raising the standards of Greater Boston's electrical industry. Our highly-trained, on-demand workforce is always ready to get the job done right, on time and under budget. Contact us about your next project, or your career, by calling 617-436-3710. Visit ThePowerProfessionals.org.     Local gal done good: Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign manager   Stephen Peterson at the Sun Chronicle reports that it was a great presidential election for one local native in particular: Franklin’s Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, who was Joe Biden’s campaign manager and who’s now being called the “unsung hero” of his campaign. A Tufts grad, Dillon is also the first woman to manage a winning Democratic presidential campaign, Peterson reports. Fyi: The Washington Post did a big story on Dillon a few months back. Sun Chronicle     Not this time around: Moulton to support Nancy Pelosi for House Speaker   He’s learned his lesson. U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who was at the forefront of past failed attempts to oust Nancy Pelosi as leader of House Democrats, tells David Bernstein at GBH that he intends to support Pelosi’s re-election as speaker of the U.S. House, despite grumblings from other centrists over Dem losses of seats on Tuesday and Pelosi’s handling of elections. GBH     Shattered glass ceilings on Beacon Hill: Record number of women to serve in Legislature next year   Kamala Harris has shattered one of the highest and sturdiest glass ceilings in the land with her election (or apparent election, if you’re a diehard pro-Trump holdout) as the nation’s first female and person of color vice president. But glass ceilings were also shattered right here in Massachusetts, with a record 62 women poised to serve in the Legislature in 2021, as a result of last Tuesday’s local elections, as SHNS’s Katie Lannan reports. SHNS (pay wall -- free trial subscription available)         Do-over: Harrington seeks recount in state rep race marred by reporting error   He mainly wants to clear things up. Republican James “Chip” Harrington says he’ll ask for a recount in the 7th Hampden District state representative race--mainly because he wants clarity after inaccurately being declared the winner on election night only to have results flip the next morning, as Stephanie Barry at MassLive reports. MassLive     More than 20 displaced by earthquake off state coast   Did you feel it? They certainly did in New Bedford, where a number of homes were damaged and multiple families displaced by what the U.S. Geological Survey is describing as a 3.6-magnitude earthquake in an area of Buzzards Bay on Sunday. The quake occurred shortly after 9 a.m. yesterday. New Bedford’s Standard Times and Fall River’s Herald Review have more on the quake and the response of the Red Cross, police, and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.      As Baker pronounces arrival of second surge, administration pushes for more in-person learning   SHNS’s Michael Norton (pay wall) reports that Gov. Charlie Baker late last week told local officials that, yes, the second coronavirus surge has indeed arrived. And this past weekend’s coronavirus numbers seemed to verify that pronouncement, as new daily cases surged above the 2,000 mark on Friday (UH) and Saturday (MassLive). But even as the second surge spreads across the state, Baker administration officials on Friday “ramped up pressure on the roughly 23 percent of school districts teaching remotely to return to in-person classes by releasing new metrics that downgraded the risk of COVID-19 in most communities,” reports Sarah Betancourt at CommonWealth magazine. SHNS’s Chris Lisinski (pay wall) has more on the new state guidance aimed at boosting in-person learning and discouraging remote classes.     Sponsored Taxing Drinks by Sugar Content Reduces Consumption by 25% The facts on sugary drinks are simple. They pose a real health risk. Kids especially are drinking too many of them. All those sweet drinks contribute to major health problems, like diabetes and heart disease. And with Massachusetts already spending nearly $2 billion per year treating obesity-related diseases, we need to address the problem. Massachusetts should take a page from a growing number of places across the country and adopt a tax on sugary drinks. Learn how a sugary drink tax would improve the health of Massachusetts.     Poof! The number of hotspot communities suddenly declines under new metrics system   The Baker administration’s push for more in-person learning at schools is partly based on a new metrics system for how communities are classified as high-risk or not in Massachusetts. And the change has already led to a dramatic plunge in the number of communities previously classified as hotspots, as the Herald’s Lisa Kashinky and CommonWealth’s Bruce Mohl report.     ‘MBTA says this time it means it: It's going to enforce its mask rule’   Universal Hub reports the MBTA is warning that “anybody over the age of 5 caught not wearing a mask in its stations or on its trains and buses is looking at a $300 fine starting right this second.” As UH notes, masks on the T have technically been required since March, but only now, considering the governor’ new edicts, is it putting its enforcement foot down. Universal Hub     Bad timing: Bickford faulted for handling of Morse controversy as rivals seek to oust him as Dem party chair   It’s bad timing for Gus Bickford. It’s good timing for rivals who want to oust him later this week as state Democratic Party chairman, i.e., the release of a report that faults the way Bickford handled, and allegedly took part in, an effort to derail progressive Alex Morse’s primary campaign against U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. The Herald’s Lisa Kashinsky and the Globe’s Matt Stout have the details on the investigation’s findings.   Meanwhile, CommonWealth’s Shira Schoenberg reports on the timing of the report – and how it’s adding “fuel to calls to replace Bickford” as party chair later this week.         ‘A sham:’ Census takers come forward to detail count fraud   A Natick resident is among Census workers coming forward to reveal they were told to falsify their field reports as higher-ups pushed to close down the count ahead of an early deadline, Mike Schneider at the Associated Press reports. Maria Arce says her supervisor instructed her to override Census software to allow her to declare cases closed even though she was at home and not in the Framingham neighborhood where she was supposed to be knocking on doors and counting residents.  AP News     Busted: Framingham mayor sent nasty texts about city councilors during meeting   Harmless venting or evidence of deep dysfunction? During an October city council meeting, Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer swapped text messages with the city’s chief operating officer in which she called members of the council “assholes” and said she couldn’t work with them, Susan Petroni at Framingham Source reports.  Framingham Source     Christmas tree ornaments: House members file 777 amendments to $46B budget bill   The holiday season approaches, and lawmakers are in a decorating mood, attaching 777 amendments to the House’s recently unveiled $46 billion state budget. Some are local-favorite earmarks. But SHNS’s Michael Norton reports that some of the proposals include more sweeping changes dealing with earned income tax credits, disposal of nip bottles and creating a MassHealth Control Board. SHNS (pay wall -- free trial subscription available)     The End: ‘A half-eaten cheeseburger on a presidential plate’   Even before last Tuesday’s election, Vanity Fair was having fun with the possibility/probability of President Trump leaving office in January and it asked various writers to envision how it may play out. Here’s one, in a screenplay style, as a “helicopter waits on the (White House) lawn, its rotors turning lazily” and then to the Oval Office: “CLOSE ON: A half-eaten cheeseburger on a presidential plate. “PULL BACK TO REVEAL: Trump sits at the big desk, a cloth napkin tucked into his shirt collar, while a Secret Service agent in a face mask waits in the doorway. Trump takes a dainty bite of the burger, trying to make it last. “Trump: Did I ever tell you about my uncle who taught at MIT? Very smart guy. That’s how I know so much about viruses and whatnot. All the doctors were amazed, they said, Sir, how is it that you know so much about viruses and what— "Secret Service Agent: We really have to go.”  Vanity Fair         Today's Headlines   Metro   Boston public schools receive $6.2 million grant from EPA for water fountains - Boston Herald Quincy councilors to propose creation of Department of Social Justice and Equity - Patriot Ledger   Massachusetts   Natick town meeting puts brakes on possible affordable housing project for military vets - MetroWest Daily News Unum’s tax deal revisited as jobs goal unmet - Telegram & Gazette Methuen councilors, mayor fight over release of Covid data - Eagle-Tribune   Nation   Donald Trump has lost to Joe Biden, what's next? The presidential transition from hell. - USA Today Meet the candidates for Joe Biden’s cabinet - Politico       To view more events or post an event listing on Beacon Hill Town Square, please visit events.massterlist.com. Beacon Hill Town Square   Nov. 10, 8 a.m. The International Response to the US Election Hosted by: Harvard Kennedy School and Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs   A Conversation with Julie Bishop, former Foreign Minister of Australia; Federica Mogherini, former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs; and Peter Wittig, former Ambassador of Germany to the US. Registration is required. More Information     Nov. 10, 9 a.m. Veterans Day Virtual Job Fair Hosted by: MassHire Department of Career Services Veterans Program & MassHire Career Center System   Statewide MassHire Veterans Day Virtual Job Fair: Exclusive access for veterans 9AM - 10AM; open to the general public and veterans, 10AM - 2PM. More Information     Nov. 11, 2 p.m. ICP - Breaking the crime-poverty cycle Hosted by: ESRC IAA - University of Birmingham   Panel Debate - The event will feature an overview by Professor Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay, Director, Center for Crime, Justice and Policing, University of Birmingham, a quick historical recap of antiquated laws and contributions by the panelists. More Information     Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m. US Market Outlook Part II: Post Presidential Election and Covid-19 Hosted by: Swissnex Boston   In this discussion, we will hear from experts at BlackRock as they examine where the market is, where it is going, and how to think about the macroeconomics of the new financial policies put into place in the US to address the current economic challenges. Register to receive the virtual meeting link. More Information     Nov. 12, 9 a.m. What's Next for Energy & Climate Change Policy in the Wake of the U.S. Election? Hosted by: Harvard Kennedy School and Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs   This event will explore the implications of the U.S. presidential election for U.S. energy and climate-change policy. The speaker will explore, in particular, how various election outcomes might lead to quite different U.S. stances on climate-change and energy policy. More Information     Nov. 12, 10 a.m. Critical Conversations: Racial Justice and the Immigrant Rights Movement Hosted by: James H. Binger Center Annual Immigration Law Forum   The Binger Annual Immigration Law Forum brings together lawyers, students, advocates and community members to learn from each other and develop tools to continue the struggle to protect human rights, basic dignity, and the rule of law. More Information     Nov. 12, 11 a.m. Building a Better Business Through Diversity and Inclusion Hosted by: Worcester Business Journal   In this panel discussion we'll explore steps large and small organizations can make to further promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. How are companies going about building a more diverse and inclusive work environment, and what have been the major challenges, as well as best practices that assure a strong program. More Information     Nov. 12, 12 p.m. Virtual Discussion - Women Who Lead: Navigating the Challenges of 2020 and Beyond Hosted by: Boston Business Journal and Santander Commercial Banking   Join us for a virtual live-streamed panel discussion with four female business leaders moderated by Carolyn Jones, publisher of the Boston Business Journal. Women have unique perspectives to offer on leading through these current turbulent times from how to build organizational resilience to how to advocate for themselves in a politically charged environment to maintaining a work/life balance. More Information     Nov. 12, 2 p.m. Virtual-Revolutionizing Retail: The Omnichannel Experience Hosted by: Verizon   Omnichannel is a word we've heard tossed around the industry, but what does it really mean? Some years ago, in-store was the only channel, then we moved into multi-channel and now it seems omnichannel is the way to go. Join us to learn about which technologies are supporting the omnichannel approach, how 5G is opening up a word of consumer insights, and how retailers can use those takeaways. More Information     Nov. 12, 6 p.m. Baxter Lecture with author Nathaniel Philbrick: Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War Hosted by: Boston Public Library, American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society, the State Library of Massachusetts, and the GBH Forum Network   Join for an online talk with Nathaniel Philbrick about his book Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War as part of the BPL's Baxter Lecture Series. Ryan J. Woods from NEHGS will be the moderator and a representative of the State Library will be a co-host. BPL President David Leonard will introduce this program. Registration is encouraged. More Information     Nov. 16, 11 a.m. 8th Annual 2020 Startup of the Year Summit Hosted by: Established   For the first time in its eight year history, the Startup of the Year Summit will be held online, allowing a global audience to participate from afar in the annual conference and have a behind-the-scenes experience for the 2020 competition. Date: November 16-18,2020. We are waiving all fees this year. We want you to join us. More Information     Nov. 16, 6 p.m. Local Voices Network Conversation: Civic Engagement (Honan-Allston) Hosted by: Boston Public Library   Join the Boston Public Library and Local Voices Network for an online discussion about civic engagement. LVN conversations are focused on sharing our lived experience, rather than beginning the conversation with our positions on issues. We are doing this in order to help build connections and to foster conversations that improve our understanding of one another. More Information     Nov. 16, 6 p.m. Modern Mobility Aloft: Elevated Highways, Architecture and Urban Change in Pre-Interstate America Hosted by: Boston Public Library   Join the Boston Public Library and the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library for an online talk with Amy D. Finstein, author of Modern Mobility Aloft: Elevated Highways, Architecture and Urban Change in Pre-Interstate America. More Information     Nov. 17, 11:30 a.m. Managing Change to Grow Business - Part II: Growing Your Business in a Virtual World Hosted by: Boston Business Journal and Middlesex Savings Bank   Please join Middlesex Savings Bank and the Boston Business Journal for this conversation about managing business change in our new normal. More Information     Nov. 17, 1 p.m. Data + AI Summit Europe 2020 Hosted by: Databricks   Data and AI are converging. The Success of Apache Spark has accelerated the evolution of data teams to include data analytics, science, engineering, and AI. Date + AI Summit brings together thousands of data teams to learn from practitioners, leaders, innovators, and the original creators of Spark. Delta Lake, MLflow and Koalas. More Information     Nov. 17, 6 p.m. Climate Change, Survival, and Deepening Our Humanity Hosted by: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum   City of Boston's Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola leads a panelist discussion on how the belief systems that define and maintain our societies impact the planet and influence our survival. Register for this free virtual Kennedy Library Forum to receive an email reminder with a viewing link before the event. More Information     Nov. 18, 10 a.m. MIT: AI and the Work of the Future Congress Hosted by: MIT Work of the Future Task Force; MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab; MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy   Join MIT's Task Force on WOTF, MIT CSAIL, and MIT Digital for this year's Congress which will be a virtual event highlighting research findings from the MIT Task Force on WOTF's final report that will be released in November. Given the rapidly changing environment brought on by Covid-19, this topic is more important and relevant that ever. More Information     Nov. 18, 3 p.m. Disinformation and Digital Citizenship: Disinformation and Election Psychology Hosted by: Boston Public Library   Disinformation and Digital Citizenship is a Learning Circle that meets weekly to discuss disinformation and its effect on civic institutions and society during an election year. Learning circles are small groups of individuals who explore and area of shared interest through discussion in a collaborative, friendly and mutually supportive environment. More Information     Nov. 19, 12 p.m. Managing Climate Risk in the US Financial System Hosted by: Harvard Kennedy School of Business/Mossavar-Rahmani center for Business and Government   This webinar will be given by Robert Litterman, Chairman of the Risk Committee and Founding Partner, Kepos Capital, and Stephen Moch, MBA and MPP candidate at HBS and HKS. It is part of M-RCBG"s weekly Business and Government Seminar series. Registration is required. More Information     Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Interrupting Hatred Can Save Someone's Life Hosted by: Town of Lexington   This presentation, part of the Town of Lexington's No Hate November series, will focus on lessons learned after the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Vincent Chen. The event is co-sponsored by the Lexington Human Rights Committee, Association of Black Citizens of Lexington, Chinese American Association of Lexington. More Information     Nov. 19, 12 p.m. The Future of Higher Education Hosted by: Washington Business Journal   As schools around the country plan, react, and adapt during the Covid-19 pandemic, the presidents of Greater Washington's top universities will gather virtually to discuss health and safety, diversity and inclusion, and budgeting and development of the future of higher education. Join the Washington Business Journal for a look behind the scenes with the decision makers. More Information   Nov. 19, 4 p.m. AARP Innovation Labs' Innovation Challenges Hosted by: AARP Innovation Labs and Mass Challenge HealthTech   AARP Innovation Labs and Mass Challenge HealthTech are excited to offer themed innovation challenges. Do you have an innovative entertainment solution that curates the fun in life for older adults? We are highly encouraging our 50+ entrepreneurs and founders to apply to this challenge. More Information   Nov. 20, 9 a.m. Virtual Job Fair: MassHire Central Region Honors Our Veterans Hosted by: MassHire Central Region Career Centers   Virtual Job Fair featuring 45 employers from diverse industries throughout Central Massachusetts. Free and open to the public and veterans! More Information Dec. 3, 4 p.m. Inno on Fire Hosted by: Boston Business Journal   The Inno on Fire Awards is our annual celebration of innovators, big and small, people, and organizations in Boston. What makes a company or individual on fire? We are looking at startups that have had a banner year, people and companies with hew funding, recent product launches, hot hires, innovative approaches to solving problems, and creative leaders who think out of the box. More Information     Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m. WBJ Central MA Health Care Forum Hosted by: Worcester Business Journal   Healthcare Post Pandemic: The Covid-19 pandemic has not only claimed over 200,000 lives in our country, but has been a disruptive force to many industries, including healthcare. Join us for this timely and informative webcast where our panel of experts will discuss what has changed since the beginning of the pandemic and what lies ahead. More Information     Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. The State of Innovation: Electrification presented by Analog Devices Hosted by: The Boston Business Journals   Across the network, Innos State of Innovations meetups focus on a specific industry, category, theme or individual and will feature a keynote, fireside chat, panel, pitch, demo or a combination of the five. Join us for a conversation with local innovators and experts. More Information     Dec. 10, 8:30 a.m. 2020 Women Who Mean Business Hosted by: Boston Business Journal and Webster Bank   Join us as we celebrate outstanding women at our fourth Women Who Mean Business awards program. These women represent the scale of business in Greater Boston and have demonstrated significant growth in their companies. More Information   How to Contact MASSterList     For advertising questions and Beacon Hill Town Square submissions, please email: dart@massterlist.com. For Happening Today calendar and press release submissions, please email: news@statehousenews.com. For editorial matters, please email: editorial@massterlist.com.   MASSterList, 568 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482